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The powerful storm struck the coast on the southern shores of China on the weekend, shortly after passage over the provincial island of Hainan. The intense weather led to the relocation of approximately 350,000 people, delivering heavy downpours and destructive gusts, particularly between Wuchuan in Guangdong and Wenchang in Hainan. Ferry services were suspended and air travel disrupted at Haikou Meilan airport.

Typhoon Statistics

Matmo, this year's 21st cyclone of the year, recorded wind speeds of 151km/h and dumped over 50mm of precipitation in a short period in Qinzhou and Chongzou. The city of Nanning also experienced significant rain amounts.

The storm triggered China's highest-level red alert, with disruptions in the city, where businesses, transport links and roads were shut. In the special administrative region, 100 flights were affected and 30 cancelled.

Future Projections

As the typhoon moves inland towards Cao Bang province in the neighboring country, it is projected to weaken into a less intense system with 55mph winds but will persist to bring substantial precipitation. Northern Vietnam could experience 130-150mm on Monday, raising the risk of flooding and mudslides. The system is expected to move towards Yunnan province in China, where further heavy rainfall is probable.

Global Weather Events

At the same time, a hurricane named Priscilla developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on the weekend, first as a storm system. It prompted a storm watch for the southwestern areas from a coastal point to Punta Mita on the start of the week.

In the early hours of Sunday, the hurricane was about 491 kilometers from Cabo Corrientes with sustained winds of 65mph. It intensified into a severe cyclone in the evening, when wind speeds peaked at 75mph.

Although unlikely to hit the coast, Priscilla is expected to generate dangerous waves and strong currents as it moves northwestward along the coast towards a Mexican state. Substantial rain is forecast on Monday, reaching 100-150mm in specific Mexican states, with local totals at about 200mm. Colima and western Jalisco could receive 50-100mm.

Elsewhere, Cyclone Shakhti has formed as the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm of the year in the Arabian Sea, prompting an warning from the India Meteorological Department for Maharashtra. On Sunday, the cyclone was 130 miles south-east of Ras al Hadd, Oman with peak wind speeds of 103km/h.

Shakhti, which has moved south-westward and lost strength, is forecast to recurve towards the east into the the sea. Turbulent waters are likely to persist along the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and intense rain is anticipated in coastal districts including specific Indian cities.